Linga Purana

The ''Linga Purana'' (लिङ्गपुराण, IAST: ) is one of the eighteen '' Mahapuranas'', and a ''Shaivism'' text of Hinduism. The text's title ''Linga'' refers to the iconographical symbol for Shiva.

The author(s) and date of the ''Linga Purana'' are unknown, and estimates place the original text to have been composed between the 5th-10th century CE. The text exists in many versions and was likely revised over time and expanded. The extant text is structured into two parts, with a cumulative total of 163 chapters.

The text presents cosmology, mythology, seasons, festivals, geography, a tour guide for pilgrimage (''Tirtha''), a manual for the design and consecration of the ''Linga'' and '' Nandi'', ''stotras'', the importance of these icons, a description of Yoga with claims of its various benefits.

Date and structure

The estimated composition dates for the oldest core of ''Linga Purana'' vary among scholars, ranging from the 5th-century CE to the 10th-century.

Like all the ''Puranas'', the ''Linga Purana'' has a complicated chronology. Cornelia Dimmitt and J. A. B. van Buitenen state that each of the ''Puranas'' is encyclopedic in style, and it is difficult to ascertain when, where, why, and by whom these were written:

The ''Linga Purana'' survives in many versions, consisting of two parts – the ''Purva-bhaga'' (older part, sometimes called ''Purvardha'') with 108 chapters and ''Uttara-bhaga'' (later part, sometimes called ''Uttarardha'') with 55 chapters. However, the manuscripts of the text assert in verse 2.55.37 that the ''Uttara-bhaga'' only has 46 chapters, suggesting that the text was expanded over time. Some scholars suggest that the entire ''Uttara-bhaga'' may be a later insertion or attachment to the older part.

The text is titled after its theme, which is the worship of Linga, and the text is primarily focused on Shiva as Supreme. However, along with Shiva-related themes, the ''Linga Purana'' includes chapters dedicated to Vedic themes, as well as includes reverence for Vishnu and Brahma.

Contents

Linga, states Alain Daniélou, means sign. It is an important concept in Hindu texts, wherein Linga is a manifested sign and nature of someone or something. It accompanies the concept of Brahman, which as invisible signless and existent Principle, is formless or linga-less. The ''Linga Purana'' states, "Shiva is signless, without color, taste, smell, that is beyond word or touch, without quality, motionless and changeless". The source of the universe is signless, and all of the universe is the manifested Linga, a union of unchanging Principles and the ever-changing nature. The ''Linga Purana'' text builds on this foundation.

The ''Linga Purana'' consists of two parts – the longer ''Purva-bhaga'' and the shorter ''Uttara-bhaga''. They discuss diverse range of topics, and illustrative sections include:
*Cosmology: the text presents cosmology in several places. For example, in early chapters it refers to the ''Shvetashvatara Upanishad'', and in chapter 1.70 it presents a '' Samkhya''-type cosmology.
*Astronomy: the Purana presents its theory of sun, moon, planets and stars in the night sky in chapters 1.55 to 1.61, with the mythology associated with each.
*Geography: the earth has seven continents asserts the text, and it then names and describes the mountains and rivers, what grows in various regions, the text is woven in with mythology.
*Tirtha (pilgrimage): the holy cities of Varanasi, Kedarnath, Prayag and Kurukshetra are extolled in chapters 1.77 and 1.92, for example.
*Yoga and ethics: the ''Linga Purana'' discusses Pashupata Yoga and ethics in many sections, such as chapters 1.8, 1.88-1.89, 2.13, 2.55 and others.

The Linga Purana is notable for its aggressiveness in retaliating against those who censure Shiva, suggesting in chapter 1.107 that Shiva devotee should be willing to give his life to end the censorship of Shiva, if necessary with violence against those who censure Shiva. In Chapter 1.78, the text also emphasizes the virtues of non-violence, stating, "violence should be avoided always, and at all places."Linga Purana, Chapter 1.78
JL Shastri (Translator, 1951), Part 2 of 2, Motilal Banarsidass, page 387

The Linga Purana's ideas incorporate, states Stella Kramrisch, those of the '' Samkhya'' school of Hindu philosophy. The chapter 1.17 of the ''Linga Purana'' introduces ''Linga'' as ''Pradhana'' or '' Prakriti'' (cosmic substance), while Shiva is described as ''Lingin'', or one with this "subtle body". Lingam is presented by the text as an abstract concept, the formless reality, contrasted with ''Alinga'' (Vyakta), along with its phallic significance with the sexual truth in nature's process of life creation in the universe. The verses of the text, states Kramrisch, present ''Linga'' as an aniconic symbol of both the matter and the spirit, the ''Prakriti'' and the ''Purusha'', whereby the "powers of creation, liberation, and annihilation" are symbolized by the icon.

References

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External links

Linga Purana - Part 1
English Translation by J.L.Shastri (1951)

Linga Purana - Part 2
English Translation by J.L.Shastri (1951)

{{Hindudharma

Puranas